Abstract
Background: Scaphoid fractures are a common injury among the elderly, although their occurrence and impact in Saudi Arabia are poorly understood. This study aims to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of scaphoid fractures in Saudi Arabian senior patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among senior patients (60 years and older) visiting an outpatient clinic in Saudi Arabia. Using a self-administered questionnaire, data on demographic features, chronic illnesses, psychiatric disorders, and the impact of scaphoid fractures on quality of life were obtained. Using logistic regression, risk variables for scaphoid fractures were identified.
Results: There were a total of 370 elderly participants in the study. The majority of participants were between the ages of 71 and 80 (n = 190, 51.4%), while the majority were female (n = 230, 62.2%). In addition, 30 patients (8.1%) reported a previous diagnosis of a scaphoid fracture. Twenty individuals (66.7%) noted that the scaphoid fracture disrupted their daily lives. Female gender [OR = 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.17-2.91, p = 0.009], older age groups (OR = 1.87-6.70, p = 0.001), obesity (OR = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.22-3.99, p = 0.009), and chronic conditions (OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.15-3.19, p = 0.012) were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of scaphoid fracture.
Conclusion: Scaphoid fractures are relatively prevalent among aged individuals in Saudi Arabia, with females and older age groups being at a higher risk. Chronic illnesses and psychiatric problems have also been recognized as scaphoid fracture risk factors.

Key words: Prevalence, risk factors, scaphoid fracture, elderly patients: across sectional study.